Pistol brace

ABSTRACT

A pistol brace includes a main frame, a forward hand grip, an adjustable front bracket attaching the main frame to the forward hand grip, a pistol muzzle guard extending forwardly at a top of the hand grip, a stock frame member attached to a rear of the main frame by an adjustable stock bracket having a stock pivot hinge for collapsing and extending the stock frame member. A stock adjustment slide allows for adjustment of the length of the stock to accommodate different size operators. A collapsible butt stock is pivotally fitted to an end of the stock frame member. A rail mount above the forward hand grip attaches to a picatinny rail on an underside of the pistol barrel and a pistol grip mounting mechanism and a pistol locking mechanism secure the grip of the pistol to the main frame.

This non-provisional patent application is based on provisional patent application serial no. 63/243,141 filed on Sep. 11, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pistols and firearms and, more particularly, to a brace for supporting a pistol and providing an adjustable, extendable and collapsible butt stock as well as an adjustable forward hand grip.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Pistols, also referred to as handguns, are advantageous in many situations due to their compact size and the ability to be carried in a holster or concealed on a person's body. In an emergency situation, such as those sometimes encountered by a law enforcement officer, the ability to quickly remove a pistol from a holster and take aim and possible fire for protection can be critical. However, one disadvantage of using a pistol is the difficulty in accurately aiming the pistol, especially at targets that are at further distances (e.g., beyond 50 feet from the shooter). The proper aim of a pistol is accomplished by holding the pistol away from the operator's body with the arm fully extended. Depending on the size of the pistol, some operators may hold the grip of the pistol with both hands which can provide for better accuracy and control when firing the pistol. However, holding the pistol away from the body can be tiring and make it difficult to hold the pistol steady with an accurate aim, particularly after an extended period of time such as during a hostile situation that law enforcement officers or military personnel may encounter. Moreover, when the pistol is fired, the force of the recoil can cause further fatigue, and reduce the accuracy, especially for subsequent shots that are fired from the pistol. And, while a rifle provides for a greater degree of accuracy, and is less taxing on the operator's arm muscles and shoulders when firing, it is not always practical to carry a rifle due to its extended length.

There are numerous devices that are already known in the related art for application to pistols and the like, which serve as a stock or butt to thereby improve the grip and handling of the pistol. However, the various devices that are currently known in the related art have drawbacks and limitations that makes them impractical for use in many situations. For instance, many of the various devices for providing a butt stock extension for a pistol are specifically designed for a certain pistol size and manufacturer. Moreover, the devices known in the related art do not provide for a forward hand grip that is forward of the grip of the pistol to allow for better aim. Additionally, the various devices known in the related art do not provide for ease of adjustment in overall size of the device to accommodate for different size individuals using the device.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that improves the accuracy and stability when firing a pistol.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that is designed to make a pistol more effective and accurate when firing out to longer ranges.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that allows the user to use one firearm, namely a pistol, for multiple purposes, including for short range and longer range targets, and thereby saving the user the cost of having to purchase a separate full-length rifle system.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that is adjustable to accommodate different size users.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that is easily collapsed and extended as needed.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that accommodates a range of different pistol sizes, makes and models.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that protects the user's hands from the blast area just forward of the pistol muzzle when firing the pistol.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that allows for option mounting of various accessory devices such as flashlights, lasers, sight systems, slings, etc.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a pistol brace device that adjusts to the size of the pistol, and particularly the pistol grip, while lockingly mounting to the pistol grip and also the picatinny rail on the underside of a pistol barrel.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pistol brace for improving the accuracy and stability of a pistol. The pistol brace can be constructed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, stainless steel, aluminum, polymers, plastic, fiberglass or chromoloy. The pistol brace includes a main frame, a forward hand grip and an adjustable front bracket attaching the main frame to the forward hand grip. The adjustable front bracket allows for adjusted up and down positioning of the hand grip relative to the main frame at selected, locked adjusted positions. The adjustable front bracket further allows for adjusted forward and rear movement and fixed, adjusted positioning of the main frame relative to the forward hand grip. The pistol brace further includes a pistol muzzle guard extending forwardly at a top of the hand grip for shielding the user's hand from the blast area of the pistol muzzle end. A stock frame member attaches to a rear of the main frame by an adjustable stock bracket having a stock pivot hinge for collapsing and extending the stock frame member between an operable position and a carry position. A stock adjustment slide allows for adjustment of the length of the stock to accommodate different size users. The pistol brace further includes a collapsible butt stock that is pivotally fitted to an end of the stock frame member and is operable between a collapsed position, within the stock frame member, and an extended, locked position for engagement against the user's shoulder while firing a pistol that is supported on the pistol brace. A rail mount above the forward hand grip attaches to a picatinny rail on an underside of the pistol barrel for quick attachment and detachment of the pistol onto and off of the pistol brace. Additionally, a pistol grip mounting mechanism and pistol locking mechanism secure the grip of the pistol to the main frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the pistol brace of the present invention shown in the fully extended and operable position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pistol brace of the present invention shown in a partially collapsed position with the butt stock and stock frame member collapsed and positioned below the main frame;

FIG. 3 is a front, top perspective view of the pistol brace shown in the fully extended position and with a pistol mounted and supported on the brace;

FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of the pistol brace shown in the fully extended position and with the pistol removed;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the pistol brace shown in the fully extended position and with a pistol mounted and supported thereon in an operable position;

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the pistol brace in the partially collapsed position, as in FIG. 2 , and with a pistol mounted and supported thereon;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the pistol brace shown in the fully extended position without the pistol mounted on the brace;

FIG. 8 is an isolated side view, shown in partial cut-away, illustrating the adjustable front bracket of the pistol brace;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arm strap assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arm strap assembly fitted to the rear end portion of the stock frame member and shown in a deployed position for use;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the arm strap assembly being received within the rear end portion of the stock frame member for positioning in a stowed position during nonuse of the arm strap assembly; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the pistol brace of the present invention shown in the fully extended position and with a pistol mounted and supported thereon in an operable position and with the user's hand gripping the pistol grip when using the arm strap assembly of FIGS. 9-11 as opposed to the butt stock.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

General Parts Description

Reference No. Description 10 Pistol Brace 12 Main Frame 14 Forward Hand Grip 16 Adjustable Front Bracket 18 Pistol Muzzle Guard 20 Stock Frame Member 22 Adjustable Stock Bracket 23 Stock Pivot Hinge 24 Stock Adjustment Slide 25 Stock Pivot Locking Pin 26 Butt Stock 27 Butt Stock Pin 28 Sliding Mechanism 30 Picatinny Rail 40 Pistol Grip Mounting Mechanism 42 Pistol Locking Mechanism 44 Pistol Rail Mount 50 Sling Mount 60 Arm Strap Assembly 62 Sliding Plate Member of Arm Strap Assembly 64 Pivot Member of Arm Strap Assembly 66 Arm Securing Strap 68 Arm Strap Adjustment Fitting 70 Hook Member on Arm Strap 72 Opening on Sliding Plate Member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the several views of the drawings, the pistol brace of the present invention is shown and is generally indicated as 10. The pistol brace 10 includes a main frame 12 that provides the structural support for attachment of the other parts and components of the pistol brace. A forward hand grip attaches to the main frame with the use of an adjustable front bracket 16. The forward hand grip allows for the operator to place their lead hand in a manner that secures the pistol brace and maintains control of the brace and pistol P that is mounted on the brace, as described below. The adjustable front bracket 16 allows for both up and down adjustment of the forward hand grip 14, as well as front and rear adjusted movement and positioning of the main frame 12 relative to the forward hand grip 14. The forward hand grip 14 is attached to the adjustable front bracket 16 by countersink screws or any other suitable means of fastening which allows adjustments to be tightened and fixed into place. The adjustable front bracket 16 is attached to the main frame 12 by countersink screws, or other suitable means of fastening that allows the main frame to be locked into position on the adjustable front bracket 16 after the main frame has been moved to the desired adjusted position. A pistol muzzle guard 18 extends forwardly from a top of the hand grip 14 and protects the operator from the blast area just forward of the end of the pistol muzzle. In particular, the pistol muzzle guard prevents the operator from accidentally moving their hands upwardly and into the blast area of the pistol. The pistol muzzle guard 18 also acts as a shield against the blast exiting the muzzle end of the pistol when firing the weapon.

A stock frame member 20 is adjustably and collapsibly fitted to a rear end of the main frame 12 with the use of an adjustable stock bracket 22. In particular, a stock pivot hinge 23 attached to the adjustable stock bracket 22 allows for folding movement of the stock frame member to convert the pistol brace between operating mode (i.e., with the stock frame member extended) and a carry mode (i.e., with the stock frame member folded and collapsed under the main frame 12, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6 ). The stock pivot hinge 23 has a pivot locking pin 25 or other suitable fastening device which allows the stock frame member 20 to be locked into place in both the operating and carry positions. A stock adjustment slide 24 allows for forward and rear adjustment of the stock frame member, thereby allowing for adjusting the length of the stock to accommodate for different size operators. The stock adjustment slide 24 is attached to the stock pivot hinge 23 by countersink screws or other suitable means of fastening which allows it to be locked into position after adjustments have been made. A stock pivot locking pin 25 is a push button mechanism that locks the stock in the folded or transport position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6 . The stock pivot locking pin 25 can be a push button or any other suitable latching system that allows for locking the stock frame member 20 in either the operable extended position, as seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , or the folded, collapsed position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6 .

A butt stock 26 is pivotally fitted to the rear end portion of the stock frame member 20 and folds out to an operable position to comfortably engage against the operator's shoulder. A sliding mechanism 28 enables the butt stock 26 to be slidably moved and retained in either an open position, as seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 , or a closed, collapsed position, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 6 . The butt stock 26 is held in its open position and closed position by a butt stock pin 27. The butt stock pin 27 is a push button mechanism that allows the butt stock 26 to be locked in and released from both the closed position and the open position.

A picatinny rail 30 on the muzzle guard 18 allows for easy installation or removal of accessories (A) such as a flashlight, laser, sight systems, slings, etc. Referring to the several drawing figures, a pistol grip mounting mechanism 40 engages the side of the pistol grip and secures the pistol (P) to the main frame 12. The pistol grip mounting mechanism 40 is permanently attached to the main frame and does not move relative to the main frame. The pistol grip mounting mechanism 40 is shaped to cradle the bottom of the grip of the pistol P. Additionally, a pistol locking mechanism 42 secures the pistol grip to the pistol grip mounting mechanism and provides a quick attachment device via a cam or any other suitable latching method. The locking mechanism 42 is a device that pinches the lower portion of the pistol grip and fastens it to the pistol grip mounting mechanism 40. This allows for stability and mounting of the pistol. This device is a quick attach and can be made from a cam, magnet, screws or any other suitable means of fastening. A pistol rail mount 44 on the top side of the muzzle guard 18, directly above the forward hand grip 14, provides a locking device that attaches to the picatinny rail on the underside of the pistol barrel and maintains and securely holds the front of the pistol brace securely to the barrel of the pistol P. The pistol rail mount 44 can be fastened to the forward hand grip 14 by bolting, pinning or other suitable fastening means. A sling mount 50 allows for attachment of multiple sling options.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12 , another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein an arm strap assembly 60 replaces the butt stock 26 on the pistol brace 10. In this particular embodiment, the arm strap assembly includes a sliding plate member 62 that is received within the rear end portion of the stock frame member 20, similar to the manner in which the butt stock 26 is slidably received within the rear end portion of the stock frame member 20 as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 . In this embodiment, directed to the arm strap assembly 60, the sliding plate member 62 is slidably received within the rear end portion of the stock frame member 20 and stowed until it is desired to use the arm strap assembly. To use the arm strap assembly, the butt stock pin 27 is operated to release the sliding plate member 62, allowing the sliding plate member 62 to be pulled outwardly from the rear end portion of the stock frame member 20 until it is fully extended, whereupon the pivot member 64 allows the plate member 62 to pivot downwardly, as shown in FIG. 10 . In this position, the sliding plate member 62 is generally perpendicular to the stock frame member 20 and is locked into place. The arm strap assembly further includes an arm strap 66 that extends around the user's arm, such as the forearm portion, as shown in FIG. 12 . The arm strap 66 may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, canvas, woven nylon, ballistic nylon, or an elastomeric material that allows for some stretching and comfort. An adjustment fitting 68 allows the length of the arm strap 66 to be adjusted to accommodate different size users. The arm strap 66 is secured about the user's arm and held in place with a hook member 70 that is fitted through an opening 72 on the sliding plate member 62. As seen in FIG. 12 , with the arm strap 66 around the user's forearm, the pistol brace 10 is secured to the user's arm and the user's arm essentially becomes an extension of the stock frame member 20, thereby providing for a greater degree of stability and accuracy when firing the pistol.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brace device for a pistol comprising: a main frame; a forward hand grip; an adjustable front bracket for attaching the main frame to the forward hand grip and being structured and disposed for allowing for vertical, up and down adjusted positioning of the hand grip relative to the main frame at selected, locked adjusted positions, and the adjustable front bracket further being structured and disposed for allowing adjusted forward and rear movement and fixed, adjusted positioning of the main frame relative to the forward hand grip at selected, locked adjusted positions; a pistol muzzle guard extending forwardly from a top end of the hand grip for shielding a user's hand from a blast area of a muzzle end of the pistol; a stock frame member; an adjustable stock bracket for removably and adjustably attaching the stock frame member to a rear of the main frame; a stock pivot hinge for allowing collapsing and extending of the stock frame member between an extended, operable position and a collapsed, carry position; a stock adjustment slide structured and disposed for allowing adjusted positioning of the stock frame member relative to the main frame to selectively adjust the overall length of the brace device to accommodate for different size users; a collapsible butt stock pivotally fitted to an end of the stock frame member and being operable between a collapsed position below the stock frame member and an extended, locked position for engagement with the user's shoulder; a rail mount above the forward hand grip and structured for quick attachment and detachment to a barrel of the pistol; and a pistol grip mounting mechanism and pistol locking mechanism for securing a grip of the pistol to the main frame.
 2. The brace device as recited in claim 1 further comprising: a stock pivot locking pin for locking the stock pivot hinge to hold the stock frame member in both the extended, operable position and the collapsed, carry position, and the stock pivot locking pin being operable to release the stock pivot hinge to allow movement of the stock frame member from either the extended, operable position to the collapsed, carry position or from the collapsed, carry position to the extended, operable position.
 3. The brace device as recited in claim 2 further comprising: a butt stock pin for locking the butt stock in the extended, locked position, and the butt stock pin being operable to release the butt stock from the extended, locked position for movement to the collapsed position below the stock frame member.
 4. The brace device as recited in claim 1 further comprising: an accessory mounting structure on the bottom side of the pistol muzzle guard for removably mounting an accessory device thereto.
 5. A brace device for a pistol comprising: a main frame; a forward hand grip; an adjustable front bracket for attaching the main frame to the forward hand grip and being structured and disposed for allowing for vertical, up and down adjusted positioning of the hand grip relative to the main frame at selected, locked adjusted positions, and the adjustable front bracket further being structured and disposed for allowing adjusted forward and rear movement and fixed, adjusted positioning of the main frame relative to the forward hand grip at selected, locked adjusted positions; a pistol muzzle guard extending forwardly from a top end of the hand grip for shielding a user's hand from a blast area of a muzzle end of the pistol; a stock frame member; an adjustable stock bracket for removably and adjustably attaching the stock frame member to a rear of the main frame; a stock pivot hinge for allowing collapsing and extending of the stock frame member between an extended, operable position and a collapsed, carry position; a stock adjustment slide structured and disposed for allowing adjusted positioning of the stock frame member relative to the main frame to selectively adjust the overall length of the brace device to accommodate for different size users; a rail mount above the forward hand grip and structured for quick attachment and detachment to a barrel of the pistol; and a pistol grip mounting mechanism and pistol locking mechanism for securing a grip of the pistol to the main frame.
 6. The brace device as recited in claim 5 further comprising: a stock pivot locking pin for locking the stock pivot hinge to hold the stock frame member in both the extended, operable position and the collapsed, carry position, and the stock pivot locking pin being operable to release the stock pivot hinge to allow movement of the stock frame member from either the extended, operable position to the collapsed, carry position or from the collapsed, carry position to the extended, operable position.
 7. The brace device as recited in claim 6 further comprising: a collapsible butt stock pivotally fitted to an end of the stock frame member and being operable between a collapsed position below the stock frame member and an extended, locked position for engagement with the user's shoulder.
 8. The brace device as recited in claim 5 further comprising: an arm securing strap assembly fitted to an end of the stock frame member for securing the brace device to the user's arm. 